Coleman expects Bale to feature despite Real saga

Wales boss Chris Coleman expects Gareth Bale to play in the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, despite the "pressure cooker" over his future.

The 24-year-old's proposed world record move to Real Madrid appears to be nearing a conclusion amid reports that he failed to report for training with the Premier League club for a second consecutive day on Wednesday.

Bale's fitness has also been under scrutiny of late after he was left out of the majority of Tottenham's pre-season campaign due to injury, with a foot problem ultimately forcing him to withdraw from the Wales squad for the 0-0 friendly draw with the Republic of Ireland earlier this month.

Despite that, and the continued uncertainty over his club future, Coleman opted to include Bale in his plans when he announced his 23-man squad for the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifying double-header against Macedonia and Serbia next month – and he expects the winger to play some part.